Chris Evans has hit back after Disney Pixar’s Lightyear was banned from certain countries over depictions of a same-sex relationship.
The animated movie has found itself become a controversial topic in several Middle Eastern countries including Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Qatar, over a kissing scene.
Hollywood hunk Chris – who voices Buzz Lightyear in the movie – branded the powers behind the countries "idiots" as he admitted feeling there will always be people who are "afraid" to move forward in life.
Speaking to Reuters he said: "The real truth is those people are idiots.
"Every time there’s been social advancement as we wake up, the American story, the human story is one of constant social awakening and growth and that’s what makes us good."
"There’s always going to be people who are afraid and unaware and trying to hold on to what was before."
Chris, 41, then explained that he feels the best stance is to ignore the opinions of anyone who is still shunning inclusivity.
He continued: "I think the goal is to pay them no mind, march forward and embrace the growth that makes us human.
"It’s tough to not be a little frustrated that it even has to be a topic of discussion. The goal is that we can get to a point where it is the norm, and that this doesn’t have to be some uncharted waters, that eventually this is just the way it is."
Lightyear – which has been rated PG by Western regulators – has fallen foul of the rules in many conservative countries as they confirmed the film would not be shown.
On June 13 the UAE's Media Regulatory Office confirmed its stance in a statement released via Twitter.
It read: "The office confirms that all films screened in cinemas across the country are subject to follow-up and evaluation before the date of screening to the public, to ensure the safety of the circulated content according to the appropriate age classification."
The scene in Lightyear – which sees Alisha Hawthorne voiced by Orange Is the New Black actor Uzo Aduba embrace another female character – was removed from the film at first due to activity from Florida's "Don’t Say Gay" bill.
The controversial legislation deems depictions of sexuality and gender identity as "not age-appropriate or developmentally appropriate for students in accordance with state standards".
But, Variety reports that LGBTQI+ Disney staff lobbied their employer over the decision saying they were "barring diverse storytelling", leading to the reintroduction of the scene.
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